President Kathleen Waldron

"At William Paterson University, we are committed to providing an education that is outstanding and affordable. We continue to be proud of our many accomplishments with regard to academic excellence and student success."

Pioneer Power

Mark Antonio Grant '77

Mark Antonio Grant ’77, an administrator for the City of Los Angeles, California, was sitting in his office on Friday, October 9, 2009, when his doctor called him with the news that he had colon cancer. The surgery was successful, resulting in the removal of a grapefruit-sized tumor and 40 percent of his colon. Six months of aggressive chemotherapy followed. Today he is happy to report that he is in remission.

Grant received the Hero for Hope Award from the American Cancer Society in California for 2011-12, and previously for 2010-11 in Oregon. He now travels the region and speaks passionately about cancer prevention at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life rallies and gatherings.

“It (cancer) changed me,” says Grant. As a Hero for Hope recipient, Grant is among ninety cancer survivors across the country selected for their “outstanding commitment to the fight against cancer.” He now focuses on spreading the word about preventive health care—encouraging people to get their prostate exams, mammograms, colonoscopies, and regular check-ups. He takes every opportunity he can to make a public appearance and share his inspiring words, including speaking at his local Rotary Club meeting.

Grant was fifty-four at the time of his diagnosis. A self-described “picture of health” all his life, he had kept himself in shape with exercise and sports activities dating back to high school. In college, Grant was a communication major and volunteered at the campus radio station. He also played center/forward for the 1977 Pioneers champion basketball team.

This past year, Grant married one of his strongest supporters, Eileen, a woman he met at the gym. He also credits his parents, both blind, for forging his indomitable spirit.

Today Grant’s weight is back and he is looking healthy again. He likes to wear his purple Relay for Life shirt because it says “survivor” on the back. People approach him and ask what it’s all about, and Grant is happy to explain because it gives others hope. “To be able to give back what has been given to me is a good feeling,” he says.